Crohn’s Disease and its Effect on Growth in Boys and Girls

Protocol Description

The purpose of this multi-center observational study is to better understand how Crohn’s disease affects growth in children and why its effects on growth differ between boys and girls. Researchers’ ultimate aim is to improve care of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, this study is accepting newly diagnosed or existing Crohn’s disease patients of both genders.Boys: Ages 8 to 15 years
Girls: Ages 7 to 13 years

Requirements

Potential participants have an initial screening visit to determine eligibility. This visit includes asking questions about medical history, height and weight measurements and an X-ray of the child’s left hand to determine bone age.

Eligible participants will have study visits every 6 months for 2 years. Each visits includes updates to medical history, laboratory assessments, and height and weight measurements. At some visits, participants will complete food journals with the help of their parent or guardian. At the end of year 1 and the end of year 2, participants will also have their left hand X-ray repeated to see how their bones are growing.Visits: 5
Duration: About 2 years

Sign Up: Parents, legal guardians, and patients may sign-up online. Parents, legal guardians, and patients may also sign-up in person during a hospital stay, at a clinic appointment, or by visiting the UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Center at your local mall. Learn More.